Egan Bernal has the 2019 Tour de France title wrapped up ahead of the 21st and final stage in Paris on Sunday.

A bunch sprint, wherein the general classification leader is traditionally unchallenged, will end at the Champs-Elysees with Bernal officially crowned champion ahead of fellow Team Ineos rider Geraint Thomas.

Bernal kept hold of the yellow jersey after a truncated 20th stage won by Vincenzo Nibali on Saturday. While events were disrupted by difficult weather conditions, Bernal rode well and followed up his 19th-stage win on Friday in the right way.

The Colombian's performance prompted praise from the vanquished defending champion:

Geraint Thomas @GeraintThomas86

Congrats @eganbernal 🙌 What a rider!! The first of many 🏆 #capo https://t.co/omwVymQaRn

Meanwhile, Real Madrid and Colombia international star James Rodriguez also got in on the act:

Despite Thomas offering his congratulations, Bernal is wary of how the titleholder will play things during the final stage. Bernal has advised Thomas not to challenge him, per Lawrence Ostlere of The Independent: "If he wants to attack, he can, but I think it would be crazy in these circumstances. I will respect his decision, but I think the team should be careful. Thomas is on the podium so it doesn't make sense."

For his part, Thomas said he would "most definitely" offer Bernal his support. It means Ineos should end the race with its principal riders still in first and second.

There are unlikely to be any other changes to the order on the podium, with Steven Kruijswijk of Jumbo-Visma set for third. He should stay ahead of Julian Alaphilippe, who had the yellow jersey earlier in the race before enduring some damaging setbacks recently.

By contrast, Nibali won on Saturday after rain and concerns about visibility meant the stage was cut to a mere 59 kilometres. He will fancy his chances in a sprint over 128 kilometres of mostly flat terrain.

It will be a similar story for Peter Sagan, who is in line to retain the green jersey after impressive work in Val Thorens:

#TDF2019 on NBCSN @NBCSNCycling

The @petosagan wheelie! #TDF2019 https://t.co/AtQVuAEMzl

Meanwhile, Kruijswijk's teammate Dylan Groenewegen is a capable sprinter who could cross the line first, as he did in Stage 7. Groenewegen saw off the challenge of Lotto Soudal's Caleb Ewan, another gifted sprinter who finished ahead of the Dutchman in the 11th stage.

Sagan, Groenewegen, Ewan and the rest will do what they can to finish strong, but the day will belong to Bernal. His performance as a worthy first-time winner has been the highlight of this year's race.